UFCW

official Publication of Local 1167, United Food and Commercial Workers Union december 2010

Wishing you President ’s r ePort the happiest and healthiest What are the real this holiday season! motives behind ’ From the officers and staff Culture Council gambit? of Local 1167 ave you ever played chess? In that game there’s a tac - Union offices will be closed Dec. 23 and 24 and Dec. 31. tic called a gambit in which H your opponent appears to offer you something, usually a pawn. He or she hopes you’ll be grateful for this generous gift and Retired Union Rep now snatch that pawn. a wrestling exec Of course, your opponent isn’t See page 4. really being generous. That pawn is bait for a trap that will be sprung on you down the line. Here’s the lesson we can learn from that experience: Always con - sider the motives of people when they offer you things. Gambits happen in the working world, too. Sometimes your em - By Bill Lathrop ployer offers you something that appears to be generous and public- spirited. But consider the real motivations before you accept it! Union members who work for Ralphs are being called on to par - ticipate in a company-sponsored program called the Ralphs Culture Council, which has the stated purpose of boosting employee morale The next Quarterly Membership Meeting and public outreach. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 The program enlists Ralphs employees to care for the homeless the meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the UFCW Local 1167 Auditorium, and clean public areas in their communities. 855 W. san Bernardino Ave., Bloomington Sounds good. But what’s the motive? Maybe Ralphs is really doing this out of this kindness of its corpo - rate heart, but the timing of this initiative is awfully suspicious. Why are Ralphs managers now being required to recruit people from all grocery departments? Why are they now asking for employ - ees’ cell phone numbers? Why are they doing these things just before contract negotiations begin? New Dave, same tactics For the answers to these questions, we can consider some recent history:

Four years ago, shortly before the UFCW unions in Southern

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: o t s y a d 5 n i n r u t e R PAGE 2 DESERT EDGE DECEMBER 2010

Sept. 11. The wedding was at the Eagle Glenn Golf Course and the MAP newlyweds honeymooned in Maui, MembershipAssistanceProgram Hawaii. Congratulations to all of our eligible active or retired Food and Meat newlyweds! participants can call the toll-free MAP YOUR UNION number at the Health Management Center at any time, JUST BORN 24 HoUrs A dAY, seVen dAYs A WeeK. What ’s Heather Malagar , Rite Aid, gave Food division, call (800) 461-9179 birth to identical twin girls on drug division, call (866) 268-2510 Happening Sept. 15. Julieanna Elizabeth weighed 5 lbs. 10 oz. and Isabella (All calls are confidential.) by Maureen McCabe Joy weighed 4 lbs. 14 oz. … Alexandra Amador , Stater Bros., has a new son. Samuel Guitron was Yourduesare born on Sept.16 and weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. He’s a “wonderful ball of joy,” nowpayable! his happy mother tells us. … Emily if you are one of the few members of the Baker , , welcomed local who are not yet signed up for dues Kenadee Rose Henson into the world checkoff: deCeMBer dUes Are noW dUe JUST RETIRED Mark Schaedel worked for on Oct. 4. Kenadee weighed 7 lbs. And PAYABLe. iF YoUr dUes Are not PAid The month of November brought and Safeway for 35 years. Susan 1 oz. … Olga Ramirez , Stater Bros., on or BeFore FeB. 1, 2011, YoU WiLL us several new retirees. Sandra Smith worked for Stater Bros. and gave birth to Austin Duong on AUtoMAtiCALLY sUsPend YoUrseLF. Aguilera , Albertsons, worked for 32 Lucky for 23 years. Ronald Oct. 22. Austin weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. Williams worked for Ralphs for 33 With dues checkoff, all future dues can be years with Albertsons, Safeway, … Kathleen Calleros-Rodts , years. deducted automatically from your pay , and Super A Foods. Albertsons, is pleased to announce Congratulations to all of our new check. if you do not have an authorization Patricia Albers worked for the birth of Jack Philip Rodts on retirees! We wish you many healthy, form, call the local and one will be sent to Albertsons and for 34 years. Oct. 22. Jack weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. … happy years ahead to enjoy your you immediately. Eugene Bambusch worked for Lorena Raquel Alvidrez , Stater Albertsons and Lucky for 36 years. well-earned retirements. Bros., has a new son. Matthew non-payment or payment of the incorrect Linda Currier worked for Anthony was born on Oct. 23 and amount will automatically suspend you — a Albertsons for 26 years. Crystal JUST MARRIED weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. … Lauren costly and inconvenient mistake. Although DeRosier worked for Ralphs and Leilani Gutierrez , Albertsons, Colunga-Newton and Daniel not required, the local, as a courtesy, nor - for 32 years. Mary married Jorge Alrcaraz on Aug. 28. Newton , both of Stater Bros., are mally sends billing notices by first-class mail Rocha worked for Stater Bros. for The wedding took place at I Do pleased to announce the birth of to those not on dues checkoff. it is the mem - 23 years. Steve Rudder worked for Weddings and the happy couple hon - Sofia Rae on Oct. 26. Sofia weighed ber’s obligation to pay dues in a timely man - Vons for 29 years. Tom Foon Quon eymooned at State Line. … Ronnie 7 lbs. 12 oz. ner. not receiving a notice is not an excuse worked in the industry for 29 years Robles , Stater Bros., took Cami Congratulations to all of our new for failure to pay dues on time. with Ralphs and Market Basket. Ravellette to be his bride on moms and dads! Avoid suspension. Authorize dues checkoff today!

President ’s r ePort

DESERT EDGE Ralphs’ Culture Council gambit Bill Lathrop Editor (Continued from front page) Ralphs’ motivations. Our members need to be on Official monthly publication of On the surface, this appeared to be a kind and their guard against attempts by Ralphs management Local 1167, United Food and Commercial Workers International considerate thing for Mr. Hirz to do. Actually, it was to exploit this project to spread pro-corporate, anti- Union, San Bernardino, Riverside a pathetically transparent stunt to build loyalty to his union propaganda. and Imperial Counties, California. company while undermining solidarity with our The Ralphs Culture Council may be a genuine 855 West San Bernardino Ave. union. public outreach program with an honest mission Bloomington, California Hirz’s “Meals with Dave” gimmick failed to statement. Time will tell if it serves another purpose (Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.) make anyone forget that his company, Ralphs, was altogether. (Closed Sat., Sun. and holidays) P.O. Box 1167 the same company that, during the labor dispute of We ask you to carefully consider the role of a Bloomington, CA 92316 2003-04, illegally locked out thousands of union company-sponsored organization like the Culture members in an effort to crush the UFCW in Southern Council as we approach the expiration of our current Telephone Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. California. Master Food Agreement in March 2011. Business Telephone: This was the same company that was also indict - (909) 877-5000 In the coming months, we can expect to see com - ed on 53 felony counts for actions that extended the pany propaganda in many forms, both obvious and Toll-Free Telephone: (800) 698-UFCW duration of that illegal lockout, causing enormous subtle. The employers will use every trick they can suffering for tens of thousands of supermarket work - Food and Meat Division Insurance: to create divisiveness in our ranks and undercut our (909) 877-1110 ers. negotiators. For them, it’s all about holding on to as Drug & General Sales Division Now it is 2010, and as we prepare for our next much of their profits as they possibly can. Insurance: round of contract talks, a different Dave — Just remember that there is only one organization (909) 877-2331 CEO — is trying yet another gambit to that has your interests in its mind and in its heart: win the affections of forgetful employees. your union. Publisher Your union has good reason to be skeptical about The gambit is in play. It’s your move!

869-M DECEMBER 2010 DESERT EDGE PAGE 3

Judge OKs unemployment class-action lawsuits vs. Ralphs and Albertsons Union r ePresentAtiVe ’s r ePort

wo class-action lawsuits against Ralphs previously paid fines as well the Ralphs and Albertsons super - as restitution to its locked-out workers market chains were certified by a for illegal actions taken during the dis - Working hours and federal judge on Oct. 22. pute. T The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals The suits were brought by approx- imately 9,000 workers who claim they ruled earlier this year that the two gro - coping with stress were improperly denied unemploy ment cery companies violated federal antitrust benefits while locked out during the laws by creating a mutual profit-sharing 2003-04 supermar - pact between them and Vons in case of a during the holidays ket dispute. work stoppage. County Superior Court Ralphs pled guilty in 2006 to rehiring ith the holidays upon Judge William F. Highberger approved locked-out workers under false Social us, you may be tempt - the suits, which challenge a decision by Security numbers. This resulted in finan - ed to take some extra the California Unemployment Insurance cial penalties of $70 million in fines and time off and lose track Appeals Board. back pay. W of the minimum number of hours you are scheduled to work each week. Most of us want to spend extra IN MEMORIAM time with our family and friends. And, of course, no one wants to GaryBobo , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Albertsons, died on oct. 9, miss those fun holiday parties. 2010, at the age of 68. He had been a member since July 1959. But keep this in mind: The HallieHarris , a retired meat wrapper formerly employed by Mayfair Markets and guarantee that you will be Foodmart, died on sept. 23, 2010, at the age of 90. she had been a members since assigned a minimum number of May 1954. working hours took years of hard work and contentious negotiations RaymondHolmberg , a retired meat cutter formerly employed by Vons, died on to achieve. It is one of the best oct. 22, 2010, at the age of 67. He had been a continuous member since May 1976. provisions in our union contract. ByJerryEspinoza ElmerJensen , a retired meat cutter formerly employed by Carlone’s, sage’s and Your union fought long and Gerrard’s Markets, died on oct. 13, 2010, at the age of 93. He had been a contin - hard for contract language that guarantees your rights, wages and uous member since January 1966. benefits. But with those rights comes an obligation to yourself, your co-workers and your employer. JackJohansen , a retired food clerk formerly employed by safeway and Vons, died So make sure you keep track of your minimum number of hours. on oct. 10, 2010, at the age of 80. He had been a continuous member since And please don’t call in sick when you are not ill! september 1971. Along with the fun times, the holidays can also be quite stress - WallaceKing , a retired meat cutter formerly employed by Alhambra Public Market ful, especially if you work in a food store. and safeway, died on oct. 10, 2010, at the age of 93. He had been a member since Stores are packed with holiday shoppers, hours are often september 1946. increased and free time can LarimerLarremore , a retired food clerk formerly employed by safeway and Lucky, become almost nonexistent. died on oct. 17, 2010, at the age of 86. He had been a member since July 1965. There are also the standard hol - iday stressors of gifts, family LeroySmith , a warehouse clerk employed by , died on oct. 18, 2010, members and events to host and at the age of 44. He had been a member since August 1984. attend. CharlotteWagenfeld , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Market Basket For some, it is not a time of joy, and super saver, died on nov. 10, 2010, at the age of 75. she had been a member but a time of loneliness and sad - since July 1968. ness. We all miss those who are no longer here to share the holidays BryanWalwick , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Lucky and stater Bros. with us. Markets, died on July 13, 2009, at the age of 45. He had been a member since May These stressors can lead some 1980. people to depression and despair. LawrenceWright , a retired food clerk formerly employed by Lucky discount Center Drugs and alcohol are often the and safeway, died on oct. 13, 2010, at the age of 82. He had been a member since first place some people turn for August 1967. consolation when stressed or depressed. But because alcohol is We express our condolences to the families of these deceased members. already a depressant, their use can lead to an even deeper depression and more stress. If you feel you are beginning to suffer from an alcohol problem, don’t lose hope. Sometimes, simply talking with someone can help lift the burden off your back. The Member Assistance Program (MAP) is here to help. ItPAYStobeUNION! By calling MAP at (800) 461-9179 for Food Division members noVeMBer 2010 2010 totAL or (866) 268-2510 for Drug Division members, you can receive the assistance you need to cope with depression, drug and/or alcohol Back pay and benefits $16,531.68 $93,161.86 restored to members problems or any other emotional problem you may be experiencing. All calls seeking help are strictly confidential. Members reinstated 35 261 Have an enjoyable, safe and sober holiday season. Grievances settled 129 1,112 PAGE 4 DESERT EDGE DECEMBER 2010 ReadytoRumble Retired Union Rep enters the ring as a wrestling exec

.hen he was a was hired as a Union Rep by former Union Rep - 1167 President Bill Brooks.” resentative for But he still had a desire to keep Local 1167, his hand in pro wrestling. Shortly Frank Mott after he moved to San Bernardino in never tired of the early ’60s, a chance meeting with figuratively Jesse Hernandez, a former profes - Wwrestling with managers to save a sional wrestler, gave him that oppor - member’s job. tunity. “I loved the challenge,” Mott said. “He opened a school to train “I’m a fighter and I’m competitive.” wrestlers called the School of Hard After he retired, he decided to try Knocks and he also started the the real thing. EWF,” Mott said. “I helped him Mott joined the Empire Wrestling book a few matches over the years, Federation (EWF), which promotes but, being a Union Rep, I didn’t have and sponsors professional wresting much spare time.” Frank Mott, the commissioner, gets into the act. matches throughout the Inland That changed after Mott’s retire - Empire. ment in 1995. Three years ago, “I’ve loved professional wrestling Hernandez asked him to become since I was 10 years old,” he said. “I commissioner of the EWF. was a ring boy back in Norfolk, Va., “I go to all of the matches to see where I grew up. I would pick up that things run smoothly and nothing wrestlers’ jackets after they were gets out of hand,” he said. introduced.” Mott said that even after all of Mott wrestled in high school and these years, he is still in love with later was coached by a professional the sport. wrestler who went under the name of “People don’t realize how hard the Great Scott. He these performers credits him with work,” Mott said. reigniting his inter - “They are spectac - est in the sport. ular athletes and When Mott train hard to get arrived in where they are.” California in 1957, He is proud that he worked at retail several of the jobs in the Azusa- school’s graduates Glendora area. He have appeared on also helped some shows sponsored friends publicize by the two biggest Wrestler of the eWF performs an acrobatic maneuver to take out his opponent as fans look on. professional professional wrestling events. wrestling organiza - be me,’” Mott said with a smile. “We visit every battlefield we can.” “I also did a tions, the WWE “I speak at businesses and in front Mott has fond memories of his bunch of odd jobs,” (World Wrestling of community groups and tell them time at Local 1167. Mott recalled, Entertainment) and how important it is to support the “I worked for both Bill Brooks “everything from TNA (Total United Way. It’s a worthy organiza - and Bill Sauriol,” he said. “I also handing out pro - Nonstop Action). tion and I love going out and meet - worked with Bill Lathrop. I can’t grams to picking “Jesse trains ing people, so it was a natural job for think of three more dedicated and up wrestlers at the Jesse Hernandez and Frank Mott them well and he me.” committed union leaders. It was a airport.” does a great job to Mott and his wife are the parents pleasure to be with them on the front But in 1958, after marrying his make sure they are ready for the big of two adult daughters and have four lines, fighting for our members’ wife, Marilyn, and with aspirations time,” he said. grandchildren, ages, 11-18. rights. to start a family, Mott knew a union Mott also works part-time for the “They all live about a half hour “I was proud of my union when I job was the only way to go. United Way of the Inland Valleys. away,” he said. “We spend as much worked in the stores. I was proud to “I began as a liquor clerk in 1962 “About six months after I retired, time with them as we can.” be a member of the staff. And I am a at a Market Basket in Baldwin Park,” my wife told me, You better find He also owns a recreational vehi - proud retiree.” he said. “I worked at 10 other something to do, or else one of us is cle that he drives around the country. Mott added: “Nothing beats work - Market Baskets until 1970, when I going to wind up dead, and it won’t “I’m a Civil War buff,” Mott said. ing union.” DECEMBER 2010 DESERT EDGE PAGE 5

Kidney donor needed Go online and complete eather Gutierrez, the 16-year-old the Negotiations Survey daughter of Leilani Gutierrez, a GM clerk at Albertsons 6575 in H Moreno Valley, has experienced complete kidney failure and urgently needs to obtain a transplanted kidney from a compatible donor. Heather’s struggle with a rare kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome was the subject of an article in the October 2010 issue of the Desert Edge . Anyone who is interested in testing for donor compatability is asked to con - tact the union office immediately at www.ufcw1167.org (909) 877-5000. Heather Gutierrez Apply for UFCW International Scholarship online! 14 winners will receive as much as $8,000 in scholarships over four years our union is about more than year for up to four years. There are community involvement and comple - www.ufcw.org/scholar ship starting your pay check and benefits. also 11 Outstanding Essay winners tion of an essay that shows under - in January 2011. The application will The UFCW is about workers who will receive a one-time payment standing of the principles of the Labor require you to fill out a family profile, Y coming together to build better of $2,000. Movement. list school activities and awards, your lives for themselves. It's about creat - The scholarships are limited to The UFCW Scholarship work experience and completion of an ing opportunity. mem bers who have been active since Application Form must be post - essay. If you are unable to apply That’s why each year the UFCW Jan. 1, 2010, and their unmarried chil - marked no later than April 15, 2011. online, you may request an applica - awards several scholar ships of up to dren or dependents under the age of 20. Entrants must read the Rules and tion by writing to: UFCW $8,000 each to UFCW members or The scholarship winners will be Regulations thoroughly. International Union, Attn: Scholarship their depend ents. Four teen Full selected and awards made on the Complete the UFCW Scholarship Program, 1775 K St. N.W., Scholarship winners receive $2,000 a basis of scholastic achievements, Application online at Washington, DC 20006.

Desert Edge wins two journalism awards

he Desert Edge won two                     awards in a recent journalism competition sponsored by the T International Labor Communications Association. The ILCA is the professional organization for trade union publica - tions and media production depart - ments of national, regional and local      labor unions. The ILCA’s annual awards compe -  tition judges thousands of entries from hundreds of unions.  “It is gratifying to recognized by     the ILCA,” said UFCW Local 1167 President Bill Lathrop, who also serves as editor of the Desert Edge . “Our union always stands for excel - lence.” On Nov. 19, the ILCA honored the Desert Edge with its second award in the “Photo Essay or Photo Gallery” category. The award-winning entry, reproduced at right, is titled “Members at Work: Stater Bros. 46 Hemet.” The judges commented: “Usually, bulletin-board layouts like this don’t make the best photo galleries. But The best of them almost achieve por - and it helps make a fine gallery... the The Desert Edge also took the third these photos are quite good, especially trait quality. The photographer clearly entry... gets bonus points for highlight - award in Newspaper Publication for being taken inside a supermarket. worked to put the members at ease, ing real workers on the job.” Design. PAGE 6 DESERT EDGE DECEMBER 2010 Local 1167 Scholarship Competition winners

a master’s degree in nutrition. She hopes to be a registered dietician and, while working in that field, to continue her education to become a pharmacist. She is a 2006 graduate of Cal State San Bernardino and works as a pharmacy tech at Vons in Redlands. (Picture not available.)

Justin Abramson Ashley Little Justin is enrolled at Palomar College and is a 2010 Ashley is a 2010 graduate of Hesperia High graduate of Calvary Murrieta Christian High School, where she was active in the drama School. He feels that being a member of his high department. After college she wants to attend school football team contributed the most to his medical school and become a psychiatrist. She is development. He says it helped him mature as an active in her church and enjoys travel, photogra - individual and forge lasting friendships. Justin phy and spending quality time with her family. works as a courtesy clerk at Albertsons in Murrieta Ashley is a clerk’s helper at Stater Bros. in and plans a career in law enforcement. Deanna Inn Hesperia. Deanna credits her participation in competitive fig - ure skating as the key to her personal development. She believes it has taught her to focus, set goals and “push harder when the going gets tough.” Deanna is a 2010 graduate of Jurupa Valley High School in Mira Loma and is a freshman at Brigham Young University, where she plans to major in business and/or sports science. Her mother, Doreen Inn, works as a bakery clerk at Vons in Mira Loma.

Brent Johnson Brent wants to be a paramedic/firefighter. He grad - uated from Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley and has an associate’s degree from Riverside Community College. He participated in track and cross-country in high school and college. He says running helps him be more disciplined in life and in school. Brent is a clerk’s helper at Breena Boone Ralphs in Riverside. (Picture not available.) Breena’s goal is to be an elementary school teacher Patricia Nam and/or a dance teacher at the high school level. She Patricia is in her third year of pharmacy school at is a 2010 graduate of Centennial High School in the University of Southern California. She is a Lake Elsinore, where she was Student of the Cursta McCullom graduate of UCLA and works as a pharmacy Month five times and was captain of the dance Cursta McCullom says her participation in the intern at Kaiser Permanente in West Los Angeles. team. She enjoys working with children and Mock Trial program at Murrieta Valley High She wants to be an ambulatory pharmacist so she believes it is important to teach them teamwork School gave her the confidence, poise and public can help people manage their medications. She and to have respect for one another. Her mother, speaking skills she will need when she becomes has worked as a volunteer tutor with children in Mary, is a bakery clerk at Vons in Lake Elsinore. an attorney. Cursta was a Mock Trial captain and inner-city schools and has participated in Arthritis was named best prosecution attorney. She led the Foundation walks. clarinet section in the school band, was an advanced-placement scholar and served on the Junior Honor Guard. She plans to attend the Kimberly Ingram University of Southern California. Her grand - Nicholas Rodriguez Kimberly is a single mother and a student at mother is Hazel McCullom, a Local 1167 retiree. Nicholas graduated as a high-honors scholar from Loma Linda University, where she is working on (Picture not available.) (Please see page 7) DECEMBER 2010 DESERT EDGE PAGE 7

Bill Sauriol Scholarship winner wants to change people’s lives ntil her senior year in high school, Bill Valentin also worked part-time as a courtesy Sauriol Scholarship winner Juliana clerk at Stater Bros. 179 in Fontana. She said the Valentin wasn’t sure what she wanted to experience contributed significantly to her person - do with her life. al growth and development. UAn excellent student in math and science, she “It was my first job and it helped me gain con - had considered a career in engineering, but she fidence and people skills,” Valentin said. “I also also had a desire to “help people.” learned the importance of teamwork, how to work A course in anatomy at Henry J. Kaiser High with others to reach a common goal and how to School in Fontana helped Valentin resolve her balance my time between work, school and my dilemma. outside volunteer activities.” “I found the workings of the human body fasci - In August, Valentin entered the Boston nating,” she recalled. “It made me decide to com - University College of Engineering. bine the two interests and work in the area of bio - “I’m just getting acclimated to being away medical engineering.” from home and being on my own,” she said. “Biomedical engineering,’ she explained, “Boston is such a great place to go to school “requires the use of medical knowledge and engi - because there are so many colleges in the area. neering skills to create things such as pacemakers, Everywhere I go, I see young people.” defibrillators and prosthetic devices that help peo - Valentin also expects another adjustment when ple live their lives more fully.” the weather turns cold. Valentin was one of the top students in her class “I’ve never lived in a cold environment,” and won academic awards throughout high Valentin said. “I’ve bought a lot of warm coats school. and hope that will see me through the winter.” In addition to maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade Valentin is grateful to Local 1167 for the schol - point average, Valentin was a member of the arship and for aid she has received from other National Honor Society. She volunteered in her sources. community through the Key Club and was captain “Without it I would never be able attend a of her school’s volleyball team. school like Boston University,” she said. Juliana Valentin

Competition winners

(Continued from page 6) College and trade school Ramona High School in Riverside. He believes it is important to give back to the community in any way grants available to members he can. That’s why Nicholas served as an active mem - ber of the Key Club, a group dedicated to community he Union Plus Scholarship service. He served meals to the elderly, helped build a Program offers $150,000 in Rose Parade float and worked on the school’s Winter scho lar ships annually to union Festival. He plans to continue working at Stater Bros. T mem bers, their spouses, and in Riverside while in college and plans a career in law depen dents. The awards range from enforcement. (Picture not available.) $500 to $4,000. Students who are beginning or con - tinuing their post-secondary or gradu - ate-level education are eligible. Jessica Temple Awards are based on academic achievement, union statements and Jessica plans to attend Cal financial need. State San Bernar dino and This is a one-time cash award sent hopes to be a dietician. She to individual winners for study begin - is a grad uate of Norco High ning in the fall of the same year at a School and has two un - two or four-year college, a graduate dergraduate degrees from school or a recognized technical or Riverside Com mu nity trade school. College. Jessica has had a The deadline to return a completed lifelong interest in health ap pli cation is Jan. 31, 2011. Application and fit ness. She regularly pack ets with postmarks later than Jan. com petes in body-building 31 will not be eligible for review. figure com petitions and For details or to download an applica - placed second in her most recent competitive tion, visit www.UnionPlus.org/ - event, the Max Muscle GNC Figure Scholarship. Competition. Jessica works as a clerk’s helper at Vons in Riverside. PAGE 8 DESERT EDGE DECEMBER 2010

Thank you to all who volunteered to help get out the vote!

s union members, we have the power to make a difference. Special thanks to: We demonstrated that power this year in key elections Luis M Cisneros (Stater Bros. 97) across the country, especially in California, Washington Joshua Mc Elwain (Stater Bros. 97) A state, Maryland and Nevada. As we look ahead to the 2012 elections, we see a political land - Mike Trevino (Stater Bros. 104) scape that is different from the one we just experienced. The entire Gabriel Hernandez (Stater Bros. 123) electorate — not just the base of one particular party — will be Donna Clarkson (Vons 2384) energized. This will be good for labor unions and their supporters in all levels of government. Felicia Munoz Grisham (Ralph’s 118) I would like to thank everyone who got out the vote this year Natalee Maksood (Intern from UCR) and spoke up for representatives who will work for working fami - Ana Cabral (UCI volunteer) lies. Sonia Cortes (UCLA volunteer) In the meantime, please let your elected representatives know that you expect them to do whatever it takes to get our economy on Christopher Espinoza (Volunteer) track again and protect the rights of working men and women. ...and to EVERYONE else who did — President Bill Lathrop their part to help get out the vote!

his poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan, idays away from their families. This is a well-known poem and we feel it and was published previously in this publication. Once again, most is appropriate for reprint in the Desert Edge . Regardless of your opinion Tof us will be filled with the pleasure and joy of being home with on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, please hold our soldiers in your family and friends this holiday season. We often forget about all of the thoughts this season. men and women in the Armed Forces who will be spending cold, lonely hol - — Bill Lathrop, President

’Twas the night before For this house was different, The children would play, My country, my Corps.” Christmas, It was dark and dreary, And grownups would celebrate The soldier rolled over He lived all alone, I found the home of a soldier, A bright Christmas Day. And drifted to sleep. In a one-bedroom house made of Once I could see clearly. They all enjoy freedom I couldn’t control it, Plaster and stone. The soldier lay sleeping, Each month of the year, I continued to weep. Silent, alone, Because of the soldiers I kept watch for hours, I had come down the chimney Curled up on the floor Like the one lying here. So silent and still, With presents to give, In this one-bedroom home. And we both shivered And to see just who I couldn’t help wonder From the cold night’s chill. In this home did live. The face was so gentle, How many lay alone The room in such disorder, On a cold Christmas Eve I didn’t want to leave I looked all about, Not how I pictured In a land far from home. On that cold, dark night, A strange sight I did see, A soldier. This guardian of honor No tinsel, no presents, The very thought So willing to fight. Not even a tree. Was this the hero Brought a tear to my eye, Of whom I’d just read? I dropped to my knees Then the soldier rolled over, No stocking by mantle, Curled up in a poncho, And started to cry. With a voice soft and pure, Just boots filled with sand, The floor for a bed? Whispered, “Carry on, Santa, On the wall hung pictures The soldier awakened It’s Christmas Day, Of far distant lands. I realized the families And I heard a rough voice, all is secure.” That I saw this night “Santa don’t cry, With medals and badges, Owed their lives to these soldiers This life is my choice. One look at my watch, Awards of all kinds, Who were willing to fight. I fight for freedom, And I knew he was right. A sober thought I don’t ask for more. “Merry Christmas my friend, Came through my mind. Soon ’round the world, My life is my God, And to all a good night.”